LibGuides: Newhaven College Library Home Page: Issues in Society

About 'Issues in Society'

The Spinney Press has been dedicated to producing an ongoing series of books on social issues since 1992. Issues in Society titles are topical, cross-curricular resources which are used extensively in Australian secondary schools, TAFE colleges, universities and public libraries.

Each book in the Issues in Society series targets a specific social issue and comprises a thoroughly researched compilation of the latest news, facts, statistics and commentary from trusted sources. Many titles cover a range of opinions on controversial topics, providing the perfect platform to provoke debate, stimulate critical analysis and encourage further research.

More Titles Available

We have many more titles available in the 'Issues in Society' series in our Library. Most titles are available in hard copy at the Library but can only be used in the Library. Many titles are also available as eBooks, which can be viewed online or may be downloaded as a PDF copy. Just search the library catalogue using the 'series' filter and enter 'Issues in Society' and all titles held will be displayed. The 'Issues in Society' series is really helpful if you are looking for a topic for your public speaking tasks and you want a variety of information on your chosen topic.

Have a look at these

Issues in Society

LATEST TITLES - JANUARY, 2022

To access titles, please click on the titles listed in the column at right and either read or download a copy of the PDF.

Public speaking tips

Issues in Society

Click on any title listed below to either read or download.

Housing the homeless
Every night 116,000 Australians are homeless, lacking safe, secure or affordable housing. This includes rough sleepers, people staying in temporary accommodation, and those sharing with others in severely crowded dwellings. Homelessness has profound effects on various social groups including struggling families, young people, women escaping domestic violence, older women, Indigenous Australians, and people with substance abuse and mental health problems. Australia's homeless problem is growing, in spite of 300,000 Australians already receiving help from specialist homelessness services each year. Most rough sleepers were temporarily housed by governments during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic but are now back on the streets fending for themselves. What can governments do to permanently deal with the homeless epidemic? How could more emergency housing, supported accommodation, private rental housing, and long-term affordable and social housing better meet demand for essential shelter? There is a concerning property boom in Australia, what about the overlooked plight of the homeless?
Sexual identity and gender diversity
Gender, sex and sexuality are separate, distinct parts of people's overall identity, and are not always obvious or easy concepts to understand. Sexuality is about how you see and express yourself romantically and sexually. Gender refers to an internal sense of identity, while sex refers to the identity assigned to a person at birth based on physical characteristics. There are lots of ways to describe sexuality and gender, a number of which are captured by the term LGBTQIA+. Many LGBTQIA+ people face discrimination and prejudice that can affect their health, wellbeing, rights and opportunities. This book explores a range of issues across the sexual identity and gender diversity spectrum, including issues such as coming out and disclosure, being an ally to LGBTQIA+ people, and addressing the human rights of the LGBTQIA+ members of our community. Not everyone's identity and orientation is black and white. Learn how to acknowledge all people's true colours, with acceptance and understanding, and without prejudice.
Future of transport
Recent advances in technology have revolutionised how we all connect and communicate - so what does the future of transport look like? Transport is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, a country with a heavy reliance on fossil-fuelled cars and road freight. Technology in the transport sector is undergoing rapid change, bringing with it opportunities to improve safety, accessibility, efficiency and sustainability. Important transport developments include automation, connectivity, smart infrastructure, the sharing economy and a move towards zero emission vehicles. A number of emerging innovations are examined in this book, including public transport (trackless trams, high-speed rail), Mobility as a Service and ride sharing, micromobility vehicles such as e-bikes and scooters, electric aircraft development, and alternative fuelled, self-driving and flying vehicles. Why does Australia still have the handbrake on the slow uptake of electric vehicles? Are autonomous and flying cars a bright new dawn, or simply science fiction? This book explores the viability of future modes of transport, with a focus on the transition to electric, hydrogen-powered and autonomous vehicles. Is Australia keeping up with the next transport revolution, or are we on the road to nowhere?
Body image issues
Body image entails a person's perception of their physical self and the positive and negative thoughts and feelings which result from that perception. Body dissatisfaction can be influenced by a complex interaction of factors ranging between individual thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours regarding our own body, and our perception of the ideal body within our social and cultural environment, including on social media. In some individuals, body dissatisfaction and weight stigma can lead to debilitating physical and mental health consequences, such as eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, compulsive exercising, excessive dieting and cosmetic procedures. This book explores how we can better understand and accept our bodies and ourselves, offering helpful advice on how young people can build better body image. We come in all shapes and sizes, so let's celebrate our individuality and diversity.
Managing Australia's water
Fresh water is our most precious resource; its scarcity is one of our greatest threats. The recent drought in Eastern Australia, where Sydney experienced severe drought, while towns across New South Wales and Queensland ran out of drinking water, demonstrates our exposure to water scarcity. A recent Productivity Commission report found Australia's blueprint for water reform, the National Water Initiative, is not fit for the challenges of climate change and our growing population. How can Australia achieve greater progress in water reform and improve the allocation of water resources through fairer water trading and rights and new infrastructure projects, as well as preserve the Murray-Darling Basin for food security, address advancing climate change, acknowledge Indigenous rights to water, deliver decent drinking water to all Australians, and ensure adequate drought management plans are in place around the country? We need to manage our water well into the future, before we are down to the last drop.
Understanding sexual consent
Consent is an agreement between people to engage in sexual activity. Sexual activity is something to be done with someone, not to someone. Consent is a critical part of this process and must be freely given, informed and mutual. However, if you don't have consent, it is a criminal offence. Sexual assault is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel uncomfortable, scared or threatened. Sexual negotiation can be a difficult or awkward process for anyone, regardless of age, to navigate. How do young people negotiate safe sexual contact together? What personal and societal pressures may contribute to non-consensual sex, and how do we promote a respectful culture of consent? Learn how to clearly define consent and to understand the personal and legal consequences of sexual assault. It is always better to be safe than sorry, to communicate with care and respect, and to uphold consent above conquest.